Last week’s date night found us at Cincy Shakes for the production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and our seats were right in the middle of the action on the stage. It was the first time we have sat that close to a performance and it was downright magical! It was such an engaging and personal experience to be that close to the show. I even got to hold Puck’s hand for a few minutes. So I’m basically an actress now (lol).
I love the Bard’s tale of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and Cincy Shakes has turned it into a most wonderful winter experience with tons of action and hilarity. I cannot remember the last time I laughed so hard at a show and we felt so very immersed in everything going on around us. There was so much attention to detail in this show and the costumes, set and interactions with the audience were over the top.
This was an all-star cast that gave their all to there characters. Every single performer in the show was AMAZING in their own way but my heart was stolen by the Q-Kidz Dance Team. The girls in this group were phenomenal, and not just as dancers, but as performers. They really stole the show – but do not tell the other actors that I said that because everyone was fantastic.
You have until December 2nd to see this production and we give it two enthusiastic thumbs up and think you should run, not walk to get tickets NOW! And then after Midsummer Night’s Dream comes one of very favorite holiday traditions – Every Christmas Story Ever Told! So while you are at it just grab tickets to both shows, you will not be sorry!
Here’s a sneak peek of the show:
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company Presents: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company brings mid-winter, frozen enchantment with “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and the always hilarious “Every Christmas Story Ever Told”
There is something for everyone this holiday season at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company with fresh and frozen production of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” playing Nov. 10- Dec. 2, 2023 followed by the annual holiday blockbuster comedy “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and Then Some!)” Dec. 7-30, 2023.
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is pleased to announce more details on their upcoming productions this November and December. CSC celebrates the holiday season with two beloved holiday classics: Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” with a frozen twist and their holiday smash hit, “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)” by Michael Carleton, James Fitzgerald, and John K. Alvarez. “Midsummer” is sponsored by Ensemble Sponsor Foster and Motley. This project is also part of Shakespeare in American Communities, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.
In “Midsummer,” two young lovers flee to the forest, hoping to find solace from the laws of the city, but feuding fairies have other ideas, throwing love triangles, potions, a troupe of bumbling thespians, and a donkey head into the mix. With a midwinter twist, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” brings whimsical warmth and adventures to this classically summer tale perfect for the whole family.
As the winter season begins, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” takes you to an enchanted frozen forest with costumes and set designs inspired by Scandinavian design and modern fairy tales like the popular Disney movie “Frozen.” The production is directed by Sara Clark, who most recently directed the hit production of “Pride and Prejudice” by Kate Hamill adapted from the novel by Jane Austen in 2020 and it’s reopening in 2022. The breathtakingly intricate costumes were designed by Rainy Edwards and sparkle and pop against the gorgeous and grand scenic design- featuring on-stage seats for patrons- by Samantha Reno. The design team also includes work by Light Designer Aiden Bezark, Sound and Projection Designer Robert Carlton Stimmel, Properties Designer Kara Eble Trusty and more with Choreography by Darnell Pierre Benjamin and, for the Q-Kidz, Mariah Jones and Chariah Jones.
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is delighted to collaborate with the Q-Kidz Dance Team in this production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” These talented young dancers take the stage as the troupe of fairies, infusing the play with their boundless energy and captivating choreography. Founded by Marquicia Jones-Woods in 1982, Q-Kidz Dance Team plays a vital role in encouraging and inspiring the creative expression for Cincinnati’s youth through dance and education. For four decades, Marquicia, and her daughters, Chariah and Mariah, have been champions for the Cincinnati community, serving over 100 youths annually through Q-Kidz. This collaboration blends artistic excellence with community enrichment, highlighting the way creativity and collaboration transforms lives. The Q-Kidz dancers, with their dedication and talent, adds an enchanting dimension to this production. Sara Clark says, “We celebrate these young performers and their impact. Their involvement showcases the arts’ ability to unite communities and amplify young voices. Join us in applauding the Q-Kidz Dance Team as we bring the magic of Shakespeare to life!” The Q-Kidz performers are Karlee Armstead, Zakari Clark, De’Unniey Crawford, Queen Hadden, Shalin Harmon, and Makenzie Roberts.
This massive ensemble consists of twenty-two actors featuring many CSC favorites, including Miranda McGee as Nick Bottom, Angelique Archer as Puck, Geoffrey Warren Barnes II as Theseus/Oberon, and more. Packed with energy, witty banter, and stellar choreography, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” is a fairy tale for all.
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” runs from November 10 – December 2, 2023. Performances of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” are on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 PM, with two Sunday matinees at 2:00 PM on November 19 and 26, and two Saturday matinees at 2:00 PM on November 25 and December 2. CSC offers performances with accessibility resources. The final Sunday matinee on December 2 is Sign Language Interpreted and Audio Description service is available.
CSC is proud to present a Sensory Friendly Performance of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” a special performance is uniquely adapted for individuals with autism and/or those with developmental and/or sensory differences to enjoy with their families. The sensory friendly performance takes place on Wednesday, November 15 at 6PM.
Tickets are on sale now. Preview performances are on Wednesday, November 8, and Thursday, November 9, with tickets at $45. Young Professionals are invited to YP Preview Night on Wednesday, November 8, with discounted tickets at $25, including a free drink and post-show talkback.
Discounts are available for students, seniors, local residents, and community partners, as access to all is important to CSC. Each performance night has a limited number of $14 “Access” tickets in the Upper Gallery and Stage Gallery. These can be purchased in advance by going online or calling the Box Office. And starting 1 hour before each performance, any unreserved tickets may be available as a discounted Rush Ticket to anyone, not just students. These tickets are only $12 and could be located anywhere in the house, depending on that evening’s availability. These cannot be reserved more than 1 hour before a show and must be purchased in person in the Box Office. Visa, Discover, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted. Ticketing fees apply. To purchase tickets or for more information, call the CSC Box Office at 513.381.BARD (2273) ext. 1, or go online at www.cincyshakes.com.
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is located at The Otto M. Budig Theater at 1195 Elm Street in OTR, adjacent to Washington Park. Many parking spaces are available on the street and in nearby lots and garages- for more information, visit http://www.otrchamber.com/pages/WheretoPark.
CSC also offers Valet Parking for every performance! Make reservations for $25 in advance when purchasing tickets, or visit www.cincyshakes.com/parking. Purchasing in advance guarantees a spot. Valet is available right at the corner of 12th and Elm Street in front of the theater and begins approx. 1.5 hours before a performance. Cars can be picked up for up to one hour following a performance. (After one hour, you will need to arrange pick up with the valet service directly.) After purchasing, the valet will have your name on the list— it’s that easy!
Disclaimer: I was given a pair of tickets to see this production, but I promise you that the opinions are 100% my own. Photos by Mikki Schaffner and press release provided by the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company.
